Greatest Moments in Marlins History: #10 Miguel Cabrera’s World Series Slam

Mar 18, 2014; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) bats against the New York Mets in spring training action at Tradition Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to the Greatest Moments in Marlins History. Most people at the age of 20 are still trying to figure out what they want to do with their life. I know from my own experience that I was still in school getting my degree and working full time as a costume performer in Orlando. Miguel Cabrera at the age of 20 was playing in the World Series. In his rookie year Miggy helped the Marlins reach their second World Series. This brings us to moment 10 on our countdown: Miggy’s home run during game 4 of the 2003 World Series.

Miggy’s World Series start wasn’t that great of a career starter. In his first 3 games he went 2-11, with 2 strike outs, 1 walk and only 1 RBI. By the end of the World Series he would go 4-24. Not typical Miggy numbers by any means, but one particular at bat would be etched in the memories of Marlins fans everywhere.

On October 22, 2003 the Marlins were down 2-1 in the Series against the New York Yankees. In front of 65,000 plus screaming baseball fans the Marlins wanted to tie the series and not go down 3-1 like they did in the NLCS. It was looking good in the first inning for the Marlins. Carl Pavano went 1-2-3 to start the game, and it was time for the Marlins to show some offense. The only problem was they were facing 6 time CY Young winner, AL MVP, AL Rookie of the Year, and 2 time World Series Champ Roger Clemens. To start the 1^st inning it looked like Clemens was typical Clemens getting the first 2 batters out. That would soon change.

Ivan Rodriguez would come up to the plate, and after an 8 pitch full count battle, Pudge would single down the right field line. Up next would be the 20 year old rookie sensation Miguel Cabrera. Looking to make up for his 2-11 performance so far, Miggy was ready. The first pitch he saw was a ball. He couldn’t lay off of pitch 2 and 3 and swung and missed both of them. Pitch number 4 was called a ball. Miggy really want a hit and the next 2 pitches and he fouled them off. In came pitch number 6 and Miggy got a hold of it. He sent that ball flying at least 4 rows deep over the right field wall! At the age of 20 Miggy became one of the youngest players in World Series history to hit a home run!

That was an impressive home run, but there are some more impressive home runs from 2003 to come. Join me tomorrow and see what other famous 2003 home run we have next.